COLT Lawman Mark III MKIII 357 Magnum DA/SA Double Action Revolver MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $1100
LSB#: 210923SS77
Make: Colt
Model: Lawman MK III
Serial Number: 21699L
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double/Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “LAWMAN MK III / .357 MAGNUM CTG”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The crane and cut are marked with the serial number, “21699l”. The side plate has a Rampant Colt logo. The front left of the trigger guard bow has the “VP” in triangle proof, the rear is marked “Q”.
Barrel Length: 2 1/8”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an integral ramped blade that runs the length of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap, which the edges of are serrated for glare reduction
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels, each with gold-colored Colt medallions at the top. There are several instances where the left panel checkering is lightly worn. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is otherwise sharp. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Case Color Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is minor stubborn fouling throughout.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The frame has a few clusters of very minor nicks, most notable on the right side near the grip. The left side of the barrel has some thinning/holster wear on the left side. The cylinder has a minor turn line through the finish. The screw heads are lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has some light play. The double action trigger pull is smooth, single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Lawman Mark III is a bit of a lost revolver when viewed in the grand scheme of Colt offerings. The company had come out of World War II in a very prosperous position, having supplied arms in both the military and private sectors throughout the conflict. In the post-war salad days where prosperity and industriousness flourished, Colt found themselves without a competitive revolver in a time where other companies such as Smith & Wesson were eating into the market share. While the Mark III Lawman was a strong option that was accurate, and had a long service life (the example here is in great shape) consumers were slightly weary of composite sintered metal. For whatever reason, the Lawman never caught on as the contemporary Python or Diamondback did. Perhaps the name just didn’t fit! This example was made in 1978 and has a clean bore and strong mechanics. Good luck and happy bidding!